Scott
Been following this with interest. You are certainly more remote than much of mainland Australia, but you should take comfort from this map...
http://www.mast.tas.gov.au/domino/mast/ ... enDocument
IMO a VHF is invaluable. It provides Sécurité warnings.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securite
It allows you to check
current weather. This is very important in your region, where a lot of fronts sweep through Tasmanian waters with regular frequency. Last night's forecast is no longer important ...your concerns are what is actually happening now, or about to happen.
My recommendations are:
1. contribute an annual fee to the local VMR/Coastguard, so they know who you are.
2. always log on with a paddle/sail plan (you are on their 'watch', and if you do not respond by the expected return time, they will activate a search). Do
not forget to cancel the 'watch' when you are safe.
3. use it if your VHF if have
any concerns, and don't be frightened of it. VMR/Coastguard are trained volunteers whose sole purpose is your safety.
4. see if they have 'DSC' capability = Digital select calling. This means an emergency call from you gives them instant ID of you and your craft, including it's colour, and if your VHF has GPS, the position. (there is a DSC button on some VHF transmitters).
5. for the above reason look at a Standard Horizon HX 851 (not many VHF's have this capability).
6. do the course Marine Radio Operators VHF Operators Certificate of Proficiciency (MROVCP). Many VMR/Coastguard stations run courses. It gives you the correct language and protocols. It provides clear communication principles. Very worthwhile if the poop is hitting the revolving device.
7. finally, it helps you talk about the situation to people who understand, and may save you activating the PLB/EPIRB, in which case a rescue is extremely expensive (about $ 5,000/hr if helicopters are involved).
hope this helps
trev